CARE
Conservation & Agriculture Reach Everyone
The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts ( OACD ), and the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project ( OBHRPI ) are partnering to increase participation in NRCS and state conservation programs among socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers. The Conservation & Agriculture Reach Everyone program, CARE, focuses on empowering farmers and ranchers to effectively engage with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the viability of their working lands. Removing barriers and fostering relationships that preserve our most precious resource, people, one acre and one farmer at a time is central to the mission of CARE. OACD and OBHRPI work closely with local conservation districts to deliver comprehensive conservation planning that focuses on improvements to soil health and water quality.
CARE supports underserved communities through financial and technical assistance and continuing education opportunities. We believe creating more generationally sustainable farms comes from accelerating the adoption of innovative technology, prioritization of soil health, and invasive species eradication. The project builds the capacity of participating organizations to develop and implement conservation projects and strengthen the technical capacity of conservation districts to assist in both conservation planning and Farm Bill Conservation Programs.
Our goal is $500,000 to regenerate 7153 acres.
Your donation is tax deductible.
Project Focus Areas
The project will focus on multiple counties with a substantial population of African American/Black, Native American, and Veteran current/prospective farmers and ranchers. CLICK HERE for a complete list of counties included in project focus area.
Resources for Agriculture Producers
Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides $2.2 billion in financial assistance for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs prior to January 1, 2021. Distribution of these funds is one step in the long march towards justice and an inclusive, equitable USDA. The program complements other assistance made possible through the IRA, including assistance for distressed borrowers.
IRA Assistance for Producers Who Experienced Discrimination |
Farmers.govUSDA Provides Payments of nearly $800 Million in Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming
Immediate Help for Over 13,000] Distressed USDA Farm Loan Borrowers; Begins process to provide up to $500 million more for up to 23,000 additional borrowers
The CARE project coordinators will do field visits to gather base line data that will be captured in the WORMS application.
Conservation District Office Elections
Each year, conservation districts throughout the state elect officers to lead their local districts To be eligible to file for district director election, an individual must be a registered voter in the district and must have a cooperator agreement with the district.
The election of responsible agricultural producers to FSA county committees is important to ALL farmers and ranchers with large or small operations, to provide a direct link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. FSA County committee members help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level, decide the kind of programs their counties will offer and work to make sure FSA programs serve the needs of local producers.
Helping farmers and landowners affordably access, transfer, and conserve farmland.
Helpful Information for Agriculture Producers Visiting USDA Service Centers
Ask the Expert: Veterans Transitioning to Production Agriculture Q&A with Chris Groskreutz
In this Ask the Expert, Chris Groskreutz answers a few questions about USDA programs and opportunities for veterans pursuing a career in production agriculture.
Recommended reading
Project Accomplishments
Through the partnership of all involved organizations, we are proud to share some of the accomplishments of the CARE Program.
State Associations Interested in Replicating C.A.R.E.
While the work being done in Oklahoma to create greater equity in Agriculture is the top priority of OACD, it is recognized that these issues are not unique to Oklahoma. OACD would love to work with other state associations to adopt a similar program in their state.
Please reach out to CARE Program Manager: Jean Lam, jeanlam@okconservation.org, 405.207.7260 or OACD Executive Director, Sarah Blaney, sarahblaney@okconservation.org
Project Contacts
OACD: Sarah Blaney, Executive Director, sarahblaney@okconservation.org, or (517) 763-8609
OACD: Jean Lam, Program Manager, jeanlam@okconservation.org, or (405) 207-7260
OBHRPI: Willard Tillman, Executive Director, (405) 201 - 6624
Additional Organizations & Resources
The CARE Project is a collaborative effort with contributions and resources from many great organizations. CLICK HERE for a list of additional resources and organizations.
